Badung is exploring an underground road towards Canggu

In brief: Badung Regency is considering a road tunnel to relieve congestion between western Gatot Subroto, Kerobokan and Canggu; the 24 September discussions referred to a roughly 2.4 km underground section; the project remains under consideration, with no confirmed construction start.

Anyone making frequent journeys through this part of southern Bali knows that a proposed road can sound like welcome news. Yet the authorities' September announcement concerned engineering and financing options, not a new route that residents can already count on.

Engineers presented several options on 24 September

Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa met PT Pendar Cahaya Nusantara, a partner of Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co. (Singapore) Pte Ltd, to examine a possible underground connection. The discussions covered traffic capacity, construction technology, estimated investment, funding arrangements and the steps needed before any scheme could proceed.

Proposals presented at the meeting ranged from one to three tunnels. A tunnel-boring machine was among the methods outlined, although ground conditions, depth and surface safety would have to be examined before choosing a construction approach. Badung's official account also stressed that economic, environmental, institutional and regulatory questions belong in the feasibility process.

That leaves important decisions unresolved. The meeting did not establish a final alignment, a funded construction contract or a date when drivers would be able to use the road.

October reporting points to a revised layout

ANTARA's report on 24 September described a 2.4 km tunnel proposal. On 4 October, Warta Bali reported that officials were considering two separate tunnels of about 2.8 km apiece, one for each direction, together with a substantial regional borrowing plan. Those later figures should be understood as a reported planning option, not the specifications of an approved road.

The same October report mentioned 2028 as a possible starting year, dependent on the necessary approvals. It would be misleading to present that target as a fixed construction schedule. The potential cost and funding structure are part of the decisions that still need to be settled.

The proposed shortcut is not yet a commuting advantage

For someone comparing long-term homes in Canggu and Kerobokan, the immediate transport picture has not changed. Current roads, peak-hour delays and access from a particular neighbourhood remain the relevant facts for planning school runs, work trips or an everyday commute.

A future tunnel could change traffic patterns, but a route's length alone says little about the time saved from any individual property. The location of its entrances, connections to surface streets and operating arrangements will determine where any benefit is felt. Until those details and a construction programme are established, the project is a possibility to watch, not an improvement already delivered.

• ANTARA News Bali, “Badung kaji rencana bangun terowongan bawah tanah atasi macet Gatsu-Canggu” — 24 September 2026.
• Bisnis.com, “Atasi Macet Gatsu Barat-Canggu, Pemkab Badung Kaji Pembangunan Terowongan” — 25 September 2026.
• Warta Bali, “Badung Ajukan Pinjaman Daerah II Rp6 Triliun” — 4 October 2026.